Great Hanwood is an ancient Parish to the south-west of Shrewsbury in the valley of the Rea Brook. Although its greatest extent is east-west from Nobold to Cruckton, the double village of Hanwood Bank and Hanwood is a linear community along the A488. In the last century the village was a coal mining community, but this activity ceased in the early 1940s. The old houses of the village are now mixed with attractive new estates built since the Second World War. The Parish church of St Thomas is surrounded by its ancient yews and a wall and railing commemorating the coronation of Edward VII. Despite its proximity to the town of Shrewsbury, Hanwood retains its village quality and community spirit. It has a good range of services, including a primary school.